Principles of Turbines:
Turbines mixers operate on the principle of high-shear mixing.
The blades of the turbine create a turbulent flow in the liquid, which ensures rapid mixing and can create high shear forces suitable for breaking down particles and dispersing materials.
Construction:
Blades: Typically, multiple flat or curved blades attached to a central hub.
Shaft: Central shaft that holds the turbine blades.
Drive System: Motor and gearbox to rotate the shaft and blades.
Mounting: Can be mounted vertically or horizontally in the mixing vessel.
Vessel: The container that holds the liquid or slurry to be mixed.
Working:
The turbine blades rotate at high speed when the motor is activated.
This rotation generates radial and axial flow, creating turbulent mixing zones.
The turbulent flow ensures thorough mixing of the liquid and efficient dispersion of solid particles or immiscible liquids.
Mixing continues until the desired level of homogeneity is achieved.
Uses:
Chemical Industry: Mixing and dispersing chemicals.
Pharmaceuticals: Preparing suspensions and emulsions.
Food Industry: Blending sauces, soups, and beverages.
Merits:
Efficient for mixing low to medium viscosity liquids.
Generates high shear forces, suitable for dispersing solids and emulsifying immiscible liquids.
Capable of handling a wide range of materials.
Demerits:
High energy consumption.
Not suitable for high-viscosity materials.
Can cause significant shear stress, which may damage delicate ingredients.